August 2026 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for August, 2026

B.E. Meyers & Co. Invited to Present at APFIT Event on Capitol Hill

Friday, August 7th, 2026

AUGUST 6, 2026 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc.™ was invited to present the successful results of its APFIT award (Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies) to APFIT program stakeholders in Congress and the Department of War at the Cannon House Office Building on July 21, 2026. Funding from APFIT was used to accelerate production of the Squad Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power (SAL-UHP), a multi-function, multi-platform aiming laser. This support enabled significant increases in manufacturing throughput and contributed to the successful adoption of the SAL?UHP by United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

Established in fiscal year 2022, APFIT provides procurement funding for innovative projects that have completed development and are ready to transition into operational use. The B.E. Meyers & Co.™ SAL-UHP is a variant of the DAGIR®?V1, which was tested, validated, and ultimately adopted by USSOCOM as the LA-30, thanks in part to APFIT support. B.E. Meyers & Co.™ and the SAL-UHP were ideal fits for the APFIT program, which is specifically designed to help small businesses and non-traditional defense contractors bridge the “valley of death” between completion of development and large-scale production.

At the APFIT event, Senior Business Development Manager and U.S. Army veteran Chris Austin, along with CEO Matthew Meyers, showcased the SAL-UHP and highlighted the program’s success. Meyers, representing the second generation of family ownership, was joined by third?generation member Jack Meyers, who assisted with the presentation.

The DAGIR® series represents a major advancement in multi-function aiming and illumination technology. It combines a Near-Infrared illuminator with both NIR and visible aiming lasers in a compact, ruggedized system. Engineered with advanced optical design, the DAGIR® series delivers exceptional illumination quality, intuitive ergonomics, and a refined form factor. USSOCOM previously selected the DAGIR®?V1 under the SAL-UHP program, designating it the LA-30 (NSN 5855-01-724-3043). The DAGIR®-V2, which includes an additional visual laser override button, has also been adopted by USSOCOM under the Miniature Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power (MAL-UHP) contract.

The DAGIR®’s advanced capabilities align closely with the U.S. Department of War’s efforts to maintain and expand U.S. warfighter advantages in night-fighting technology. As a veteran/operated company, B.E. Meyers & Co. is proud to support the enhancement of warfighter night-fighting capability and remains committed to delivering the highest-quality advanced photonics systems for those who serve.

Third generation Meyers family member Jack Meyers with House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman, Representative Ken Calvert (R-CA)

CEO and second-generation Meyers family member Matthew Meyers briefing Rep Ken Calbert (R-CA)

U.S. Army Veterans Matthew Meyers and Senior Business Development Manager, Chris Austin

Who We Are:

B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc.™ is a Defense Technology Manufacturer located in Redmond, Washington. As a privately held, Veteran-operated, second-generation US Small Business in our 52nd year, we are a global leader in tactical laser systems for combat applications, as well as optoelectronic systems for rotary wing aircraft, fixed wing platforms, and UAVs, along with other integrated systems. We are a true “Made in America” operation, with design, development, production, and final assembly occurring in our Redmond, Washington headquarters. We are proud of our work and who we serve as we evolve critical defense technology and reenergize American Manufacturing.

Who We Support:

Our customers include all branches of US Department of War, US Federal and State Law Enforcement agencies, select US consumer channel partners, international allies in over 50+ countries, as well as defense primes both in the US and internationally. Our key product brands in these spaces include VSLAP®, IZLID®, GLARE®, MAWL®, DAGIR®, BOARS®, MILR®, KIJI®, and others.

Made in America:

B.E. Meyers & Co.™ operates in multiple market segments as a defense-centric Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) at our core. Our business and our products are:

§ US based

§ US owned

§ Certified SBA Small Business

§ ITAR compliant

§ ISO 9001:2015

§ Made in America

§ Buy American Act compliant

§ Berry Amendment compliant

Strategic Sourcing:
With respect to strategic sourcing amid the U.S.-China trade war, B.E. Meyers & Co.™ is dedicated to an, “Anywhere But China” supply chain policy wherever possible, and especially for key components.

We continually promote efforts to diversify our supply chain, and we also invest in ensuring critical components are stocked to avoid disruptions.

Product Lines:
The DAGIR® series is currently under contract with various US DoW and other entities.
Please see Chuck Pressburg of Presscheck Consulting’s overview of the DAGIR® series here, as well as Steele Industries overview here.

For sales information on the DAGIR®, and other innovative laser solutions from B.E. Meyers & Co., please visit bemeyers.com or connect with us at info@bemeyers.com.

“DAGIR”, “IZLID”, “MAWL”, “MILR”, “KIJI”, “GLARE”, “DIAL”, and “BOARS” are federally registered trademarks of B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc.

Posted in Advertiser, Congress, Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

US Air Force Supplemental Inspection of M18 Modular Handguns Found Zero Evidence of Conditions Which Would Allow “Uncommanded Discharge”

Friday, August 7th, 2026

Last July Amn Brayden Lovan was tragically killed in a shooting which occurred in the Weapons Storage Area of FE Warren AFB, Wyoming. It is alleged he was shot by another member of his squadron, Amn Marcus White-Allen who was charged with involuntary manslaughter as well as making a false official statement. That Airman was later found dead in his dorm room when his command failed to hold him in pre-trial confinement.

But that’s not the story most people heard for many months after the shooting. The Air Force failed to address the death in a timely fashion which gave opportunity for false accounts of the shooting to infest the internet. Even after lies about the M18 MHS “going off on its own” the Air Force allowed the issue to fester while Air Force Global Strike Command Commanding General Gen Thomas Bussiere removed the weapon from service so that the command’s inventory could be inspected for defects, despite knowing almost immediately that the assailant had lied about his role in the death.

While General Bussiere (who is now retired) remained on leave and failed to address the issue, a paranoid firestorm led to calls to remove MHS from service across the entire Department of War (as well as other agencies at all levels of government) based on unfounded rumors that were circulating the internet. Although the pistols were returned to service with AFGSC by late August, the command did not fully set the record straight as to how AMN Lovat died for over three months.

Eventually, the Air Force directed a complete “Supplemental Inspection” of the service’s entire inventory of MHS. This was “to ensure Airmen/Guardians with an arming requirement, whether at home station or deployed, have a weapon which is safe, reliable, and functional if the moment of need may arise.” The Supplemental Inspection Criteria went above and beyond the requirements of the Technical Order at the time and have since been incorporated into the TO.

Despite consisting of nearly 126,000 pistols, the AF inspection was completed last year and the report was signed on 23 January, 2026 by Brig Gen Brian Filler, Director of Security Forces.

Unfortunately, it has taken over six months for us to obtain a redacted version of the Final Report. At only three pages it is succinct and to the point.

The executive summary tells the story:

“100% of the inspected weapons exhibited no signs of any condition that could have allowed the weapons to experience an “uncommanded discharge.”

Rather than just telling you what is in it, we are sharing the report for you to read every detail yourself. This revelation should put further rumors to bed that the Air Force inventory of sidearms is not safe. To the contrary, MHS is both safe and reliable and this has been attested to time and again. As you can see, no weapon exhibited anything beyond normal wear and tear and those deficiencies have been addressed by maintenance.

Adopted in 2017, there are currently around 500,00 MHS in the US military’s inventory consisting of the M17 and M18 pistols. They are based on the SIG SAUER P320 pistol which is also issued to militaries and law enforcement agencies worldwide. Combined with civilian owned versions of the pistol, they number in the millions.

Posted in Advertiser, Air Force, weapons | 7 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Pistol Magazine Pocket, Speed Reload, Single

Friday, August 7th, 2026

The pistol reload is only as fast as the pocket it comes from. The FirstSpear Pistol Magazine Pocket, Speed Reload, Single is built on the same proven architecture as the FirstSpear M4 Speed Reload Pocket, purpose-sized for pistol magazines across a wide range of platforms including the G17/19, G21, G22/23, 1911, M9/226, S&W M&P 9mm, HK USP-9, HK P2000, and P30. Shock cord and speed tab retention keep the magazine secured until you need it, then get out of the way when you do.

Features:

BASED ON THE FS M4 SPEED RELOAD POCKET

SHOCK CORD AND SPEED TAB RETENTION

WIDE PISTOL PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY

AVAILABLE IN 6/9™ AND 6/12™ ATTACHMENT STYLES

At its core, the Pistol Magazine Pocket, Speed Reload, Single delivers positive retention and fast access in a single, low-profile package. Speed tabs are removable for a more streamlined setup. Available in Black, Coyote, Manatee Grey, MultiCam, Foliage Green, and Ranger Green, and configurable in both 6/9™ and 6/12™ attachment styles to fit any platform. Also available in double and triple configurations for higher-capacity loadouts.

Built for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and prepared professionals who demand reliable equipment, the Pistol Magazine Pocket, Speed Reload, Single delivers fast, consistent access to your pistol magazine without adding unnecessary bulk to the loadout. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting-edge tactical gear for military, law enforcement, and those who train. To request an estimate, visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying | No Comments »

Tobyhanna Army Depot Enters First-of-Its-Kind Arrangement for Rapid sUAS Component Production

Friday, August 7th, 2026

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – In a move set to reshape the Defense Industrial Base, Tobyhanna Army Depot signed a landmark cooperative arrangement with a defense industry partner. This arrangement merges capabilities aimed at rapidly advancing domestic manufacturing and military readiness.

The strategic agreement empowers TYAD and Darkhive, a company focused on modern hardware and software solutions for aerospace and defense use, to combine strengths in support of critical Department of War requirements. This cooperative agreement focuses on the future of combat and defense, including the rapid development, production and sustainment of small-unmanned aircraft systems, or sUAS.

“The Organic Industrial Base is the backbone of Army readiness, but the world is changing, and the OIB needs to change too,” said Chris Mohan, commanding general of Army Materiel Command. “We are using new business practices, in coordination with the defense industrial base, to transform ourselves while simultaneously supporting high operational demands for U.S. forces and allies.”

The cooperative arrangement serves as a pioneering use of use of Title 10 of U.S. Code section 7544, which authorizes a working capital-funded Army industrial facility to enter into an agreement with a non-Army entity to carry out a military or commercial project. In this instance, the first time this authority has ever been leveraged by TYAD, the arrangement merges the Army’s premier Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Center of Excellence with industry best practices and capabilities.

The arrangement also comes on the heels of the Army’s OIB Transformation Strategy, signed in April 2026, to convert depots, arsenals and ammunition plants from a fragmented, maintenance-focused enterprise into a strategically aligned industrial engine capable of delivering combat-ready formations in competition, crisis and conflict.

“This is more than just a partnership as this agreement represents the future— the first of many designed to close the gap between commercial tech innovators and the military’s Organic Industrial Base,” said Jon Strzelec, AMC advanced manufacturing lead for sUAS. “By combining the speed and agility of the commercial sector with the massive production capability of our depots and arsenals, we are creating a new model for rapid defense innovation and product delivery.”

The agreement enables a dynamic sharing of resources allowing TYAD to utilize its state-of-the-art infrastructure to manufacture cutting-edge parts, perform sustainment services and directly produce industry-standard products for government use.

The arrangement also opens the doors of TYAD to Darkhive personnel, who will be able to lease and operate within the depot’s facilities, tapping into its extensive equipment and production capacity to further research and innovate sUAS technology while also generating working capital funds for TYAD.

“The arrangement allows Tobyhanna Army Depot to take advantage of DIB speed while Darkhive can develop new solutions for the government using OIB production lines that are already established,” Strzelec said. “And this synergistic approach won’t just stop with production of sUAS components.”

This cooperative arrangement is setting a new standard for modern defense collaboration with the OIB, ensuring a more resilient defense industrial base capable of meeting tomorrow’s national security challenges.

By Lindsay Grant

Posted in Army, C-UAS, Guest Post, Industry, Manufacturing | No Comments »

When Industry Leaders Unite, Innovation Follows

Thursday, August 6th, 2026

Barrett CEO Bryan James recently met with Strategic Sciences CEO Russ Oliver and President Patrick Kisgen to explore how Strategic Sciences’ advanced technologies can integrate with Barrett systems while advancing the future of shoulder-fired capabilities.

Together, we’re building the next generation of battlefield capabilities and delivering innovative solutions for today’s warfighter and tomorrow’s mission.

Posted in Advertiser, As Seen On Instagram, Industry, Suppressors, weapons | No Comments »

United Shield International and NP Aerospace Join Forces to Enhance Support for US Law Enforcement Bomb Disposal Teams

Thursday, August 6th, 2026

NP Aerospace, the global armor manufacturer, has formed a strategic partnership with United Shield International, a US manufacturer and specialist provider of advanced ballistic and blast protection solutions for law enforcement and military customers. The partnership brings together two complementary businesses that will strengthen the delivery and through-life support for the NP Aerospace 4030 ELITE Bomb Suit and Helmet System across the US law enforcement market.

The collaboration combines NP Aerospace’s advanced protective technology and EOD suit capabilities with United Shield International’s specialist law enforcement expertise, established customer networks, and dedicated US-based sales and support infrastructure. Together, the two organisations will provide bomb disposal units with streamlined access to the 4030 ELITE system, underpinned by comprehensive technical assistance and operational training.

Certified to the rigorous US National Institute of Justice (NIJ) 0117.01 Public Safety Bomb Suit Standard, the 4030 ELITE Bomb Suit and Helmet System is an established solution for global public safety and military agencies. It delivers advanced blast resistance and operational performance alongside exceptional mobility, comfort and is available in five-sizes. This strategic alliance signals a shared commitment to delivering innovative technology backed by expert through-lifecycle support.

The partnership is designed to provide its customers with access to one of only two companies with a bomb suit that meets the NIJ-certified level of accreditation, providing an extensively tested, quality controlled and audited product. Additionally, the collaboration will utilise United Shield International’s dedicated US-based service support, enhanced product demonstrations and training, ensuring responsive aftermarket support designed to maximise operational readiness.

Brian Banducci, President of United Shield International, said, “Bomb technicians operate within the most demanding environments in public safety, necessitating the best equipment backed by exemplary customer support. Through this strategic partnership with NP Aerospace, we are integrating world-class bomb protection systems with a dedicated through-life support framework designed to serve US law enforcement agencies throughout every stage of procurement and subsequent deployment. Our shared objective is to cultivate enduring partnership, providing operators with the absolute confidence that expert technical assistance remains continuously accessible.”

James Kemptston, CEO NP Aerospace, added, “NP Aerospace has established an international reputation for engineering innovative, high performance EOD protective systems designed to address the dynamic requirements of bomb disposal technicians. Aligning with United Shield International marks a pivotal advancement in amplifying the calibre of support accessible to our US Law Enforcement personnel, uniting deep technical engineering expertise with localised operational presence. As modern bomb squads evolve their capabilities, agencies increasingly prioritise trusted partnerships, agile support and long-term asset sustainment alongside core product efficacy. This alliance underscores our mutual dedication to safeguarding those who serve, delivering pioneering solutions reinforced by seasoned EOD engineering professionals.”

Posted in Armor, EOD, Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

Ukraine Troops Have Placed $1 Billion in Orders in the First Year of Brave1 Market

Thursday, August 6th, 2026

Troops can order more than 1,100 items on Brave1 Market

Units of Ukraine’s Defence Forces have ordered $1 billion worth of military equipment and hardware with ePoints during the first year of Brave1 Market, the state marketplace for defence technology.

In that time, more than 400 units have received around 500,000 unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles, and electronic warfare and electronic reconnaissance systems.

The role of Brave1 Market in supplying troops

The updated ePoints programme, integrated with Brave1 Market, launched on 1 August 2025. It brought market mechanisms into what had until then been a closed state supply system for the Defence Forces.

For the first time, combat commanders can select the equipment their units need themselves.

How units earn ePoints and what they can spend them on

Troops earn ePoints for verified combat missions, including reconnaissance, logistics, casualty evacuation and eliminating enemy forces. They then exchange those points for the technology they need, such as drones, UGVs and electronic warfare and reconnaissance systems.

Ukrainian defenders can now order more than 1,100 items on Brave1 Market with ePoints.

Delivery times for items held in stock have also been cut to an average of seven days.

In June, Ukrainian troops ordered UAVs, UGVs and electronic warfare and reconnaissance systems worth more than UAH 5 billion on Brave1 Market. That was the largest monthly total since the ePoints programme began.

Via mod.gov.ua/en.

Posted in Acquisition, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Mistral Inc and Uvision Receive an Additional Order Under US Army Lethal Unmanned Systems Program

Thursday, August 6th, 2026

More than $50 million delivery order expands HERO 120 systems and ancillary equipment in support of U.S. Soldier training, readiness, and mission successBETHESDA, Md., Aug. 5, 2026 — Mistral Inc. and Uvision announced today that they have received an additional order under the U.S. Army’s Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS) program in support of the Capability Portfolio Executive (CPE) Mission Autonomy, Precision Strike Reconnaissance Systems (PSRS).

Valued at more than $50 million, this order will increase the quantity of HERO 120 loitering munition systems and ancillary equipment provided to U.S. Warfighters. The award supports the Army’s continued effort to equip Soldiers with advanced, reliable, and mission-ready capabilities that enhance training, readiness, and operational effectiveness.

HERO 120 systems are being domestically manufactured in support of the U.S. Army Lethal Unmanned Systems program.

This additional order represents an important milestone for Mistral Inc. and Uvision as they continue supporting the U.S. Army’s LUS program. The additional systems and equipment will help soldiers train, build proficiency, and prepare to employ a precision strike capability designed for the demands of the modern battlefield.

Under the LUS program, Mistral Inc. and UVision work together to deliver the HERO 120 to the U.S. Army. Uvision is the design authority for HERO 120 and is a major partner in the development, manufacturing, and delivery of the system. Mistral Inc. and Uvision remain focused on providing the DOW with proven capability, responsive support, and reliable delivery as the program continues to advance.

“This is an important step forward for Mistral Inc., UVision, and the U.S. Army’s LUS program,” said Yoav Banai, Senior Vice President at Mistral Inc. “This award increases the number of HERO 120 systems and ancillary equipment available to our Soldiers, allowing them to train, build confidence, and prepare for mission success. Mistral Inc. and Uvision are proud to continue supporting the Army and remain committed to providing warfighters with the tools they need to win the fight.”

The HERO 120 loitering munition system supports precision strike capability for modern tactical formations.

“Uvision is proud to support the U.S. Army’s LUS program,” said Jarmin Blanton, Vice President of Business Development, Sales & Marketing at Uvision Inc. “As the design authority for HERO 120, UVision remains committed to delivering a mature, effective, and reliable system that supports soldier training, readiness, and mission success. The continuation of the LUS contract reflects the continued strength of the partnership between Mistral Inc. and Uvision Inc. and our shared commitment to supporting the Army’s precision strike requirements.”

Posted in Army, Contracts, Munitions, Press Release | Comments Off on Mistral Inc and Uvision Receive an Additional Order Under US Army Lethal Unmanned Systems Program